Need someone to listen?

Experiencing a traumatic or unpleasant situation in our professional role can affect us in many ways, and can leave you feeling isolated. Talking to colleagues who may have experienced similar situations can help. Speaking to your colleagues and supervisors can help clarify and offer reassurance.

There are also members of the department who are happy to be approached to offer an ear under such circumstances. Please don’t feel alone; talk to one of our listeners.

Email us on: NDOAListeningEars@gmail.com

(Email checked reguarly during daytime hours)

We can put you in touch with someone from a team of Consultants or Trainees who are happy to listen, or offer information on other support services availble.

You do not need to include any details in the email other than your contact details if you do not want to. Any information you are comfortable sharing may help us identify an appropriate listener. This would include:

· What area of the trust you are working in

· If you are wanting to reflect on a particular incident or case what sub-speciality this was

· It is useful to know if you would prefer to talk to someone you previously know or favour talking to someone new

· If you would prefer to talk to a trainee or consultant

We feel very proud to be part of such a supportive and caring department and encourage you all to look out for each other. This may include raising concern regarding a colleague needing support. We are here to help and will make contact with anyone you are worried about. Sometimes our friends and colleagues notice us being affected by stressful circumstance before we do ourselves. So if one of our team contacts you, know that it is simply a marker that those around you care.​ Feel free to contact us via the above email address to discuss this further.

In addition there are a number of professional organisations available with resources to help you manage difficult times and some offer access to counselling services.